Next Phase for Australian Farr 40s

The long history of the Farr 40 class has consistently delivered elite competition, attracting top owners and crew ever since its inaugural world championship in 1998. But playing the game at this level comes with a price, with a payroll for crew and coaching needed to succeed on the windward leeward track.

But when the investment in time and money increases, there generally is a decrease in how many people are willing to make that investment. Since hosting the 2016 World Championship, the Sydney fleet in Australia is now moving into another phase for their local racing.

For the upcoming Farr 40 2016/17 Australian Open Series extending from October to March, the field is more level than ever, with the majority of teams competing in the Corinthian division making for a fun and close summer season of racing over six events.

“It’s going to be more rewarding for the amateur crews and those owners who might have previously found it depressing always being in the back half of the fleet,” notes acting Australian Farr 40 association president Gordon Ketelbey.

Additionally, their weekend events will now be made up of a day inshore and a day offshore racing to provide a wide range of conditions and learning opportunities. Whereas the windward -leeward courses require highly practiced crew skills, point to point racing offers more opportunities to the newer teams.

“In its purest form the Farr 40 is simply a lovely design and a pleasure to sail,” notes Rob Davis, Commodore of Sandringham Yacht Club and co-owner of Nutcracker. “It still offers the best true international one design racing in its size category and there is a terrific wealth of local knowledge and experience in Australia and excellent access to people, gear and information at a reasonable cost.”

More rewarding? Reasonable cost? Sounds like a good plan.

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Source: Australian Farr 40 media